Detroit Tigers get offense going after Ohtani’s departure for Angels on pitching mound

Michigan Sports

May 31, 2018

Tigers third baseman Jeimer Candelario steps over the Los Angeles Angels’ Andrelton Simmons as Simmons is out on a fielder’s choice hit into by Martin Maldonado during the second inning Wednesday in Detroit. (AP photo)

By DAVE HOGG
Associated Press
DETROIT — Shohei Ohtani was rolling along for five innings against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday night. However, thanks to two rain delays, that’s all the Los Angeles Angels got from their young star.
With Ohtani out of the game, Jose Iglesias’ two-run single keyed a five-run sixth inning and the Tigers went on to a 6-1 victory.
Ohtani, starting for the first time since May 20, allowed one run and three hits in five innings. He walked three and struck out five while throwing 83 pitches, including a 101-mph fastball on his final pitch.“I was ready to go back out there (after the second delay), but the medical staff said it wasn’t a good idea,” he said through a translator. “This is my first time experiencing something like this, so I had to listen.”
Ohtani gave up a run in the first inning on two walks and a two-out single, and settled down after that.“It might have been the humidity — I was sweating, so I thought I was ready, but I guess not,” he said. “I saw 91 on the board, and I knew something was wrong. I haven’t thrown a 91 (mph) fastball since high school.”
Detroit’s Nicholas Castellanos went 2 for 3 with two doubles against Ohtani, but was still impressed.“He’s got a powerful arm and good stuff,” he said. “He was already throwing hard, but he hit 101 to Jeimar (Candelario) in a big spot in the fifth. Not a lot of guys can do that.”
Tigers starter Mike Fiers was also knocked out by the second rain delay in the top of the sixth, allowing one run and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings.
The Tigers quickly took the lead in the bottom of the sixth, loading the bases against Cam Bedrosian (1-1) on a single, a walk and a hit by pitch. Greyson Greiner struck out, but Iglesias lined a two-run single to center to put Detroit ahead 3-1. Dixon Machado grounded to short, but Andrelton Simmons’ throw to the plate was too late to get JaCoby Jones.